Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Savory Turnips
Bowl of browned turnips with parsley.

Savory Turnips

Root veggies cooked in a savory broth and finished with zesty lemon and fresh herbs.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Frozen Strawberry Yogurt
Footed dessert glasses with a creamy pink blend.

Frozen Strawberry Yogurt

A kid-approved, 3-ingredient treat that only takes a few minutes to make!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 ½ Cups
Tomato Pasta Salad
Bowls of colorful spiral pasta with olives and broccoli.

Tomato Pasta Salad

Great make ahead-meal with fresh veggies, Italian herbs and a tangy dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Stuffed Peppers with Turkey and Vegetables
Platter of multicolored baked bell peppers stuffed with ground turkey, vegetables and mushrooms.

Stuffed Peppers with Turkey and Vegetables

Colorful bell peppers filled with ground turkey, fresh vegetables and delicious Italian flavors.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
90 minutes
Makes:
6 Pepper Halves
Very Berry Muesli (‘mew-slee’)
Bowl of oatmeal and yogurt topped with fruit and walnuts.

Very Berry Muesli (‘mew-slee’)

Quick and healthy breakfast with hearty oats and creamy yogurt, then topped with crunchy walnuts.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Mix and Match Grain Bowl
Two versions of a grain bowl with vegetables and chicken or tofu.

Mix and Match Grain Bowl

Make a simple, delicious and healthy meal for any time of day with ingredients you have on hand and these mix and match ideas.
Prepare:
varies
Cook:
varies
Makes:
4 servings